Local sculptor uses her skill as a welder to encourage others to join the trade [Video]

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – April is National Welder’s Month, and for Staci Martinez — otherwise known as 605 Shield Maiden — welding is a passion.

It’s how Martinez creates her sculptures, and she encourages other women to learn the skill.

“It is important to me. I’m super passionate about it, especially getting women into the trades. I like to advocate for women, and there’s only five percent of us in the welding industry. Watching Instagram and some of the trade schools, women are coming in, and they are starting to realize that they can make just as much money as the men. They can do all that kind of stuff. There’s no barriers — women can do it, too,” said Martinez.

Welding wasn’t always Martinez’s passion. Originally, she was hesitant when the manufacturing facility she worked at approached her with the idea.

“They asked me because they …